It’s unlikely not to be familiar with the symptoms of Hypoglycemia, which is condition of blood glucose reading 70 milligrams or below. That’s if you have diabetes. Individuals with hypoglycemia often experience common symptoms such as anxiety, hunger, fast heartbeat, and shakiness. Very low blood sugar will likely result in behavioral changes, loss of consciousness, vision difficulties, and seizures.
Surprisingly, individuals who don’t have diabetes can also experience symptoms of hypoglycemia. Luckily, consuming certain foods and drinks containing carbohydrates can correct this anomaly. But you need to be sure about the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Common Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
If you have diabetes, you’ll recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia easily and quickly.
Some common symptoms you’ll notice are;
1. Anxiety
2. Incessant hunger
3. Shakiness
4. Sweating
5. Fast heartbeat
6. Headache
7. Tingling around the mouth
8. Lack of concentration
9. Tiredness
10. Irritability
11. Nausea
12. Weakness
13. Inability to control the muscle
14. Restlessness
15. Dilated pupils
16. Dizziness
Asides from the common symptoms of hypoglycemia listed above, other severe symptoms shouldn’t be taken with levity.
Blood sugar that is less than 54 mg/dl is considered by the American Diabetes Association as dangerously low. The common symptoms you’ll likely experience if your blood sugar is very low are;
1. Seizures
2. Change in behavior
3. Confusion
4. Poor speech patterns
5. Loss of consciousness
6. Blurry vision
7. Clumsy movement
Are there night symptoms also?
At times, you might experience certain symptoms at night without noticing. There’s a possibility you’ll experience these symptoms if you have diabetes 1. However, people with diabetes 2 can also experience these symptoms. It’s called nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes.
Glucagon and epinephrine are hormones produced by the body to regulate blood sugar levels. While sleeping, the production of glucagon does not increase. Besides, type 1 diabetes interrupts the process of glucagon production. During the period you experience symptoms of diabetes, glucagon decreases too.
List of night symptoms
In the night, watch out for these symptoms, if you have diabetes. The common symptoms are;
1. Nightmares
2. Restlessness
3. Headache
4. Talking in the sleep
5. Increase in glucose level in the morning
6. Feeling Tired in the morning
7. Night sweats
Make it a habit to eat snacks of complex carbohydrates, to prevent the above symptoms. Snacking on dried fruit, oatmeal or granola, is not a bad idea. Don’t neglect your dietary, medications, and exercise routines, especially in the afternoon and night. Also, avoid taking too much insulin before bedtime to prevent hypoglycemia.
Awareness is important
Note that it’s possible to experience symptoms of hypoglycemia without being aware, especially if you have diabetes. This happens because your brain is unable to recognize you have hypoglycemia since you’d body doesn’t show symptoms. The condition is known as hypoglycemic unawareness, which happens mostly at night.
People with type 1 diabetes are prone to experience this condition compared to those who have type 2 diabetes. Without you noticing, your blood sugar can become so low to the extent of coma or ultimately, death.
What are the complications associated with Hypoglycemia?
Long term hypoglycemia without adequate treatment can lead to the symptoms that have been listed above; seizures or even death. No matter the situation, or cause of the hypoglycemia, don’t wait for a long time before getting treatment. Due to the symptoms related to the inability to control body muscles, hypoglycemia can lead to Injuries upon yourself. During the episode, you can fall, or have an accident resulting in another serious issue.
When is the right time to see a Doctor?
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor even if you don’t have diabetes. Although you can make your symptoms subside by consuming simple carbohydrates.
Any symptom of hypoglycemia is an indication that something is not right in your body system. Find out what resulted in the symptoms and seek medical attention before the hypoglycemia gets out of hand. Follow the instructions given by your doctor diligently and ask questions where necessary.
Once in a while, you’ll always experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia if you have diabetes. When your blood sugar becomes normal after taking glucose tablets, you can carry out your daily activities.
If you notice that after treating hypoglycemia, your blood sugar remains dangerously low, consult your doctor.
How to prevent incidents of Hypoglycemia
You can prevent the episodes of Hypoglycemia in the following ways
Regular checking of blood sugar
Checking your blood sugar often is the best way to keep the normal level range. If you have been experiencing hypoglycemia in the past, it is better to check sugar level before any hard work like driving or running.
Your doctor can advise you better as to when and how frequently you should check the blood sugar.
Keep a snack handy
It is better to have a snack before you leave home, or just keep a snack handy if you know that your next meal will not be sooner than 5 hours. Also if your blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL you should always keep some snack option ready with you.
A carb-rich snack is a good idea to keep ready all the time which you can eat in case the sugar level dips. You can keep fresh fruits, juice, cookies or granola bars as some options.
Eat during exercise
Exercise causes energy levels to go down and so it causes blood sugar levels to drop. So it is better to eat correctly before you start your exercise routine. Blood sugar level should be checked one to two hours before starting exercise and maintain within the target range.
If you see your blood sugar level is low, eat some carb-rich snack or a small meal beforehand. If you intend to exercise for a long time, you should eat carbs in between your exercise.
You can try some quick options like granola bars, sports drinks or candies that are a good source of quick carbs.
Your doctor can also help with making a diet program. Engaging in heavy exercise can make blood sugar level to go down acutely. These levels can keep down for even 24 hours after the exercise. So if you are into heavy exercise, it is recommended to check the blood sugar just after finishing the exercise and every 2 to 4 hours until sleep time. Heavy exercise should not be done just before going to sleep.
Check with your doctor
If your doctor has advised a particular meal plan or medication to control blood sugar, you must follow those plans and medications so that your blood sugar level does not drop below the required level.
Eat right food and take the medicines at right time will keep your blood sugar level in the required range. Always check with your doctor if the blood sugar levels show discrepancy so that your doctor can make the necessary modifications in your diet and medicines.